Comparison of Solar VS Wind Energy Part 2

Wind power is at its best in the fall, winter and spring. Wind generators can produce a decent amount of energy year round; however, its benefits are offset by the space needed to have a sizable wind generator and turbine setup. Smaller versions of large-scale wind generators do exist for more residential uses. Wind is used nationwide and primarily in the western US where the wind is more consistent. One of the things that gives wind power an advantage over solar is that energy may created during storms. The wind is stronger during storms and therefore will help produce more energy than on a normal day and will help offset any loss of energy that is lacking from your solar panels.

Based on the formula I gave on how much electricity a typical household needs, you would need a wind system that costs approximately $20,000 to reduce your energy bill 50-90 percent. The reason it is difficult to totally eliminate your energy bill with wind energy is simply the wind is not always blowing. Therefore, a power system that relies exclusively on wind would not produce energy round the clock. During times of low wind, you would either need to use power from the grid or have another method for producing electricity, such as solar panels.

One of the many other concerns people may have with wind generators is how much noise it makes. Many think it will be overpowering; however, wind generators are no louder than a washing machine and will not interfere with your TV reception.

Combining for best efficiency you could potentially produce enough energy for both your home and have excess that could be sold back to the utility companies. But don't go overboard and have such a large setup thinking you can make a fortune selling energy back. In most cases the amount that you get paid per kilowatt is low to the point that it is not worth it to attempt to make money from. It is best to just have enough produced to power your home and keep your batteries topped off.

So let's recap. To totally run your home on solar, your set up cost would be a little over $50,000. To install wind power, which would cut your cost of electricity down 50%-90%, would cost $20,000.

Wind cost of install on average $20,000 to provide 75% of your energy.

Solar Energy Estimates $40,000 dollars to fully power your entire house with a little to spare. Now divide by 2 because you will only need half of that.

WIND COST=$20,000

SOLAR COST=$20,000

TOTAL COST= $40,000

Total Cost/Approx incentives reduction

$40,000/50%*= $20,000 To fully power your entire house with green electricity.

With an average electric bill of around $125.00 per month you would recoup your investment in around 160 months or around 14 years (this is also not counting any excess electricity you produce and sell back to the utility company). Also keep in mind you're doing this to be more environmentally friendly and aid our environment which is a big plus by itself.

*Please note these are only estimates and are subject to vary from state to state and year to year. The estimated reduction in cost with all incentives included is an approximate a 50% reduction.